Adjusting Knott trailer brakes ensures safe and efficient stopping power, preventing accidents and extending the life of your braking system. This involves understanding the specific type of Knott brakes you have and meticulously following the adjustment procedure to achieve optimal performance and avoid potentially dangerous imbalances.
Understanding Knott Trailer Brakes and Adjustment Needs
Knott trailer brakes are known for their durability and reliability, but like all braking systems, they require periodic adjustment to compensate for wear. Ignoring this maintenance can lead to diminished braking performance, uneven wear on the brake shoes and drums, and ultimately, a safety hazard. Regular adjustment ensures consistent and predictable braking response, crucial for maintaining control, especially when towing heavy loads.
The necessity for adjustment arises from the gradual wear of brake shoes and the inevitable stretching of the brake cables (if equipped). As these components wear down, the distance between the brake shoes and the drum increases, requiring more cable travel (or hydraulic fluid displacement) to engage the brakes effectively. This results in a longer pedal travel and reduced braking force.
Identifying Your Knott Brake System
Before you begin any adjustments, it’s crucial to identify the specific type of Knott braking system installed on your trailer. Knott offers various types, including:
- Mechanical override brakes (cable brakes): These systems use cables to transmit the braking force from the tow vehicle to the trailer. They are typically found on smaller trailers.
- Hydraulic override brakes: These brakes utilize a master cylinder in the trailer’s coupling head that is activated by the tow vehicle’s inertia. This hydraulic pressure then actuates wheel cylinders at each brake.
- Electric brakes (less common with Knott): These systems rely on electromagnets to engage the brakes. While Knott primarily focuses on mechanical and hydraulic systems, some variations might exist.
Locate the identification plate or sticker on your trailer axle or braking system. This plate will usually specify the model number and other relevant information about your Knott brakes. This information is essential for sourcing the correct parts if needed and understanding the specific adjustment procedure outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Adjustment Procedure: Step-by-Step
The specific adjustment procedure will vary slightly depending on the type of Knott brakes you have, but the following provides a general outline:
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Preparation:
- Safety First: Ensure the trailer is securely parked on a level surface, chocked, and the wheels are safely off the ground. Use jack stands for secure support. Disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle.
- Gather Your Tools: You’ll typically need a suitable wrench (usually a metric size), a screwdriver, a pry bar (optional), and potentially a brake adjustment tool specifically designed for Knott brakes.
- Locate the Adjusters: On mechanical systems, the adjuster is usually a threaded rod connected to the brake cable, located near the brake drum. Hydraulic systems might have adjustment screws on the backing plate. Consult your Knott brake manual for precise locations.
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Mechanical Brake Adjustment (Cable Brakes):
- Loosen the Cable: Slacken the main brake cable running from the coupling head to the axle. This allows for individual wheel adjustments.
- Adjust Each Wheel Individually: At each wheel, locate the adjuster. Using the wrench or adjustment tool, turn the adjuster to tighten the brake shoes against the drum. The wheel should become difficult to rotate by hand.
- Back Off the Adjustment: Once the wheel is difficult to rotate, carefully back off the adjuster until the wheel rotates freely with a very slight drag. This is the critical point. Overtightening will cause the brakes to bind and overheat.
- Repeat for All Wheels: Repeat this process for each wheel on the axle.
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Hydraulic Brake Adjustment:
- Locate Adjustment Screws: On hydraulic brakes, there are usually adjustment screws on the backing plate of each brake drum.
- Tighten and Back Off: Using a screwdriver, tighten the adjustment screws until the wheel locks up. Then, back off the screw(s) a specific amount (typically a fraction of a turn, consult your manual) until the wheel rotates freely with a very slight drag.
- Bleeding (If Necessary): After adjusting hydraulic brakes, it might be necessary to bleed the system to remove any trapped air. Consult your manual for the correct bleeding procedure.
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Final Checks:
- Cable Tension Adjustment (Mechanical): Once all wheels are adjusted, tighten the main brake cable at the coupling head until there is minimal slack but the brakes are not engaged.
- Test Rotation: Ensure all wheels rotate freely with a very slight drag.
- Road Test: Perform a slow-speed road test to check braking performance. Listen for any unusual noises and ensure the trailer brakes engage smoothly and evenly. Adjust further if necessary.
Why Professional Assistance Might Be Necessary
While this guide provides a general overview, adjusting trailer brakes can be complex, especially for inexperienced individuals. If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of the procedure, it is highly recommended to seek professional assistance from a qualified trailer mechanic. Improperly adjusted brakes can be dangerous and lead to serious accidents.
Professional mechanics have the expertise, tools, and diagnostic equipment to ensure your brakes are adjusted correctly and safely. They can also identify and address any underlying issues that might be affecting your braking performance.
FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns About Knott Trailer Brake Adjustment
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of adjusting Knott trailer brakes:
FAQ 1: How often should I adjust my Knott trailer brakes?
The frequency of adjustment depends on usage and load. Inspect your brakes every 3,000 miles or at least annually, and adjust as needed. More frequent checks are recommended for trailers that are used heavily or regularly carry heavy loads.
FAQ 2: What are the signs that my Knott trailer brakes need adjustment?
Common signs include: longer stopping distances, a spongy or low brake pedal, uneven brake wear, a pulling sensation to one side when braking, and unusual noises (squealing, grinding) coming from the brakes.
FAQ 3: Can I adjust Knott hydraulic brakes the same way as mechanical brakes?
No. Hydraulic and mechanical brakes operate differently and require different adjustment procedures. Refer to your Knott brake manual for the correct procedure for your specific system.
FAQ 4: What is brake drag, and is it normal?
Brake drag is a slight resistance to wheel rotation even when the brakes are not applied. A small amount of drag is normal after adjustment, but excessive drag indicates overtightening and can cause overheating and premature wear.
FAQ 5: What happens if I overtighten my Knott trailer brakes?
Overtightening can lead to brake binding, overheating, premature wear of the brake shoes and drums, reduced fuel efficiency, and potentially, brake failure.
FAQ 6: Can I use any type of grease on my Knott brake components?
No. Use only brake-specific grease designed to withstand high temperatures. Regular grease can melt and contaminate the brake shoes, reducing braking performance.
FAQ 7: Where can I find the Knott brake manual for my specific trailer?
You can often find the manual online on the Knott website or the trailer manufacturer’s website. You can also contact Knott directly or a Knott dealer for assistance.
FAQ 8: Do I need special tools to adjust Knott trailer brakes?
While standard wrenches and screwdrivers are usually sufficient, a special brake adjustment tool can make the process easier and more precise, especially for mechanical brakes.
FAQ 9: What should I do if I can’t adjust my brakes properly?
If you are unable to adjust your brakes properly, seek professional assistance from a qualified trailer mechanic. This is crucial for safety.
FAQ 10: How do I know if my brake shoes need to be replaced instead of adjusted?
If the brake shoes are worn down to the rivets or have excessive wear, they need to be replaced. Visual inspection of the brake shoes is crucial during the adjustment process.
FAQ 11: Can I adjust my Knott brakes with the tires on?
While technically possible, it is highly recommended to remove the wheels for easier access and a more thorough inspection of the brake components.
FAQ 12: Does adjusting my trailer brakes affect my tow vehicle’s brakes?
No. Trailer brakes operate independently of the tow vehicle’s brakes. However, properly functioning trailer brakes significantly reduce the strain on the tow vehicle’s braking system, improving overall safety and extending the life of the tow vehicle’s brakes.